Residents of Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes following last Sunday’s massacre by armed bandits who attacked the community.
DAILY POST recalls that 12 persons, according to police accounts, were killed, including the Baale of Ogba-Ayo and scores abducted in the attack by the armed bandits.
The community called on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to urgently deploy security operatives to the town following last Sunday’s deadly bandit attack that left about 13 people dead, five kidnapped and scores injured.
Speaking on behalf of the community during the governor’s condolence visit, the National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OOCDA), Alhaji Ganiyu O. A. Bello, described the situation as pathetic and devastating, asserting that the havoc inflicted on the people was “unquantifiable.”
He disclosed that the attack, which occurred on September 28, forced about 90 per cent of residents to flee the town for fear of further assaults.
According to him, “During the attack, about 13 lives were lost, five people were kidnapped while many who sustained various degrees of injuries are presently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
“The situation we find ourselves is pathetic and calls for the government’s intervention to enable us have peace.”
The community leader outlined a number of appeals to the state government, including the immediate deployment of security agents, approval and installation of a new Elesha of Oke-Ode, as well as the proper arming of local hunters and vigilantes.
Bello further urged the state government to investigate allegations that the head of the vigilante team, one Mr. Victor, withdrew guns from local security volunteers a day before the attack, stressing that such incidents, if verified, must attract appropriate punishment to deter future occurrences.
While commending Governor Abdulrazaq for his ongoing developmental projects across the state, the community also appealed for the rehabilitation of the remaining portion of the Igbaja–Oke Ode–Shegbe road.
“We pray that God will give Your Excellency wisdom and good health to pilot the affairs of the state to greater heights,” Bello added.
Responding, Governor Abdulrazaq prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead, while commending security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for repelling the attackers.
“We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is also commendable that the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes repelled them and restored peace to the community,” he said.
The governor promised the community that the requests will be adequately looked into, while assuring them of improved security.
On the allegation that one Mr Victor withdrew guns from the vigilantes a day before the incident happened, the Governor immediately invited two leaders of the vigilantes, who said the allegation was not true.
